Canaiolo Nero Grape Variety

Canaiolo Nero is a grape found principally in Tuscany. Together with Sangiovese and and Colorino, the Canaiolo Nero grape is often found in Chianti wines and, to a lesser extent, in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Historically, the Canaiolo Nero may have played a greater role in the Chianti wines being used in higher percentages than the Sangiovese. Interestingly, after the phylloxera epidemic, the Canaiolo Nero did not take well to being grafted onto the American rootstock and fell into decline.

A white-berried mutation, Canaiolo Bianco, can be found in Umbria where it is known as Drupeggio.